Sunday, March 6, 2011

Now Open: Brooks Brothers, Frey Wille and ... Michael Kors

This has been a busy week on Madison Avenue. So far Brooks Brothers and Frey Wille officially opened shop. Michael Kors on the other hand, looks as if it's movements away from pulling the butcher tape off the front doors.

Brooks Brothers, which opened early last week, took over the space formally occupied by Bolton's, at Madison at 86th Street. The 3,000-sq-ft location carries the brand's signature men's collection but is banking on drawing the family oriented customer to it's revamped fleece line and boys and girls clothing.

Frey Wille, which should not be confused with Free Willy, is best known for their enameled bracelets. The Austrian brand has taken the space that previously housed Furla, at Madison and 64th. Frey Wille is not a newcomer to luxury and has more than 80 free standing stores around the world. It will be interesting to see how the jewellery company educates and entices the Madison Avenue customer to their $1000+ bangles. Historically, Hermes is the go-to brand for enamel bracelets.

The biggest Madison Avenue debut--which seems to be just days away -- will be Michael Kors. This weekend, we spotted employees carefully putting the final touches on in-store and window displays. The new store is located at 790 Madison Avenue, the Southwest Corner of Madison Avenue and 67th Street. The 4000-sq-ft location was formerly occupied by Ungaro and features two floors of selling pace, plus a finished lower level.

Michael Kors already has two stores on Madison, one at one at 77th and another at 60th. We hear that this grand space will serve as a Michael Kors emporium and sell merchandise from all lines ranging from Michael Kors Collection to MK.

With all these new store openings one has to wonder which retailer Cintra Wilson will hit first for her New York Time's column. We are placing our bets on MK. What do you think?

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About Me

I’m a fashion/business journalist turned blogger. New York Magazine, ABC News, Smart Money and The Wall Street Journal are just a few stops that have prepared me for this particular endeavor. I’m writing on my time about what I know best: Shopping. No sale is too private. No brand too aspirational. I’m breaking it down and dishing the best deals—and we’re not talking just sample sales. This is the real deal gurl!